# zest

> English word · Noun · IPA /zɛst/ · frequency rank #22,868

## Definitions
1. The outer skin of a citrus fruit, used as a flavouring or garnish.
2. General vibrance of flavour.
3. Enthusiasm; keen enjoyment; relish; gusto. A state of being zesty.
4. The woody, thick skin enclosing the kernel of a walnut.
5. State of being a flamboyant or effeminate homosexual.

## Etymology
Borrowed from French zeste.

## Easily confused with
- **Zeus** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/zest-vs-zeus)
- **zeta** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/zest-vs-zeta)
- **ze** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ze-vs-zest)
- **Zen** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/zen-vs-zest)
- **zee** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/zee-vs-zest)
- **zed** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/zed-vs-zest)
- **z's** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/z-s-vs-zest)
- **zero** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/zero-vs-zest)
- **zeal** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/zeal-vs-zest)
- **Zeke** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/zeke-vs-zest)
- **Zeno** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/zeno-vs-zest)
- **Zeiss** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/zeiss-vs-zest)

## Common misspellings (6)
`ezst`, `zesst`, `zestt`, `zets`, `zset`, `zzest`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/zest